Crop-Over hit

IT WAS about crops and fresh produce in a community setting, and with a heartening response from the public, National Cultural Foundation (NCF) officials have given the thumbs-up to its inaugural Crop-Over Farmers’ Market.The market, held at the NCF’s carpark in West Terrace, St James, attracted 21 stalls, three of them from Anglican and Roman Catholic churches and several Barbadians made use of the chance to see what was on offer.Coordinator Kim Bascombe told the SUNDAY SUN the NCF was keen on encouraging Barbadians to eat and buy local.“When we think of Crop-Over, we think of sugar cane, but this year, we wanted to include a lot of local produce. We want to encourage Barbadians to continue to eat healthy and buy local.“We wanted to have a wholesome all-day activity which will showcase the best of Barbados in terms of our local produce and craft,” she said.One of the favourite treats was the fish cakes prepared by Jackie Collymore at the St Barnabas Anglican Church stall.Bascombe, the NCF assistant festival and events planner, said she was delighted to have the churches on board.“Some people don’t associate the church with Crop-Over, but churches can be involved in the festival just as easily. We have events for everyone and this Farmers’ Market is no different, catering to another niche market within Crop-Over,” she said.Bascombe was pleased to have some entertainers and masquerade band leaders in attendance.“It’s another Crop-Over activity that brings a number of things together. You can have a one-stop shop for all things Crop-Over in a different type of atmosphere on our home grounds.”